Read More

Clark’s new-look squad managed just two wins in four games against lower-league opposition – but they are in better nick now on the pitch with the new players beginning to settle.

Kilmarnock v Falkirk FA Cup Final

The Scottish Cup takes on extra sentimental value this season as it is 20 years since the club’s last triumph in the competition.

Legends from that squad, Gary Holt and Ray Montgomerie, helped with Monday’s draw and Clark insists the class of ‘97 can act as a inspiration to Killie’s current crop of stars.

The Killie boss said: “You’ve got to embrace the history of any club you come into. You look at the 60s when they won the league and then 20 years ago they won the cup and it all takes on an important significance.

“We have the motivational pictures around the club of past successes.

Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark urges on his side (Photo: SNS)

Kilmarnock 1-0 Falkirk

“That’s an important target for us to target. We want to re-create that type of environment.

“Listening to Ray and Gary Holt last night at the draw, they spoke about the day and what it was like after they won the cup.

“Going round Kilmarnock on the open top bus, we’d love to have that type of success.

“That’s crucial to me, the history of the football club, and it’s vital to what I’m trying to instil here.”

As for Killie’s second chance in cup competition, Clark added: “All cup competitons take the same importance. I wanted to do well in the Betfred Cup and I was very disappointed with our performances.

“It was probably a blessing in disguise for us as a club. It gave a lot of the boys who came up here from England an idea about Scottish football.

“If we had scraped through those games like we did in a couple of the group matches, the players might have continued to think the game would be quite simple up here.

“It was the kick up the backside we needed and gave everyone a wake-up call.”